Describe the first piece you made in clay that felt like your own style: In 2021, I took three months of paternity leave to care for my daughter. During nap times, I explored new ideas in the studio, discarding past work.
I created cups and mugs using a transfer process, adding new handles and newer forms. This series truly felt like my artistic voice.
What are you inspired by? I draw inspiration from many sources. Growing up in the Midwest, I’m influenced by rural landscapes and Rust Belt city infrastructure. This appears in my surface decoration and forms. I also find inspiration
in the children’s books I read to my daughter, which shape my creative approach and artistic vision.
What is your process for finding/designing new forms? When creating forms, I draw inspiration from thrift-store finds and surrounding landscapes—silos, watering cans, and oil cans. I also revisit my existing pieces, exploring how
new forms can emerge. This process allows me to blend past ideas with fresh inspiration, shaping my creative evolution.
Who are your mentors? Justin Rothshank, for whom I currently make mugs; and Nick Roudebush who was my professor and now friend.
Favorite piece in your ceramic collection: It’s a small mug that I purchased from Dick Lehman in 2014 and it was the first pot in my collection.
Best piece of advice you ever received? Keep showing up.
Best advice you can give to other potters? Keep making, even if it isn’t great work; each piece informs the next. Apply to shows, put yourself out there. Physically pick up pots that you enjoy, and explore them.
Describe your studio: My studio is inside Highland Studio and Gallery, serving as both my personal studio and a community space. It houses my kiln, four wheels, and a handbuilding/glazing table. Warm and filled with natural light and
plants, it flows well with organized sections for tools, glazes, and clay, creating an inspiring workspace.
Best thing about your studio? Filled with natural light, the studio is a refreshing change after seven years in a basement. It’s a vibrant space where artists inspire and support each other. The gallery showcases diverse works,
serves as a creative library, and inspires new ideas and exploration.
Wish list for your studio? Ideally, I would have a few more wheels to foster class growth and a fresh assortment of Speedball underglazes.
Describe a typical day or session in the studio: Each studio day begins with responding to emails and handling business tasks. I then focus on making and fulfilling orders, including throwing, handbuilding, glazing, or decorating. The
day ends with a thorough cleanup—putting tools away, wiping surfaces, and mopping—ensuring the space is ready for the next day.
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Firing temperature: Cone 4
Atmosphere: Oxidation; electric
Surface treatment: Monoprinting
Forming method: Combination of wheel throwing and handbuilding
Favorite tools in your toolbox: Ribs from Troy Bungart
Website: alechooglandceramics.com
Social media: Instagram @alechooglandceramics
Gallery representation: Highland Studio and Gallery (highlandstudioandgallery.com)
Describe the first piece you made in clay that felt like your own style: In 2021, I took three months of paternity leave to care for my daughter. During nap times, I explored new ideas in the studio, discarding past work. I created cups and mugs using a transfer process, adding new handles and newer forms. This series truly felt like my artistic voice.
What are you inspired by? I draw inspiration from many sources. Growing up in the Midwest, I’m influenced by rural landscapes and Rust Belt city infrastructure. This appears in my surface decoration and forms. I also find inspiration in the children’s books I read to my daughter, which shape my creative approach and artistic vision.
What is your process for finding/designing new forms? When creating forms, I draw inspiration from thrift-store finds and surrounding landscapes—silos, watering cans, and oil cans. I also revisit my existing pieces, exploring how new forms can emerge. This process allows me to blend past ideas with fresh inspiration, shaping my creative evolution.
Who are your mentors? Justin Rothshank, for whom I currently make mugs; and Nick Roudebush who was my professor and now friend.
Favorite piece in your ceramic collection: It’s a small mug that I purchased from Dick Lehman in 2014 and it was the first pot in my collection.
Best piece of advice you ever received? Keep showing up.
Best advice you can give to other potters? Keep making, even if it isn’t great work; each piece informs the next. Apply to shows, put yourself out there. Physically pick up pots that you enjoy, and explore them.
Describe your studio: My studio is inside Highland Studio and Gallery, serving as both my personal studio and a community space. It houses my kiln, four wheels, and a handbuilding/glazing table. Warm and filled with natural light and plants, it flows well with organized sections for tools, glazes, and clay, creating an inspiring workspace.
Best thing about your studio? Filled with natural light, the studio is a refreshing change after seven years in a basement. It’s a vibrant space where artists inspire and support each other. The gallery showcases diverse works, serves as a creative library, and inspires new ideas and exploration.
Wish list for your studio? Ideally, I would have a few more wheels to foster class growth and a fresh assortment of Speedball underglazes.
Describe a typical day or session in the studio: Each studio day begins with responding to emails and handling business tasks. I then focus on making and fulfilling orders, including throwing, handbuilding, glazing, or decorating. The day ends with a thorough cleanup—putting tools away, wiping surfaces, and mopping—ensuring the space is ready for the next day.
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